This was a very moving story. The characters were very realistic and the emotions were very well captured. I enjoyed the author’s writing style. It was a beautiful story to read.

Jane moves her family to San Miguel in a supposed attempt to save it from the aftermath of her temptation to have an affair. Her two sons are happy in their new community and are thriving. Her husband can't get past his anger regarding the almost affair. As the story unfolds, Jane focuses her energies on a troubled family. I loved the inclusion of the charitable work being done by this south-of-the-border version of Habitat for Humanity, the acknowledgement of the thin line between helping and white saviorism, and the stark look at the haves and the have nots. Likewise, the inclusion of the local cultures and celebrations, including how nonlocals have commercialized the customs, was interesting. I never felt like I was being lectured but sometimes the conversations felt a little stilted to get the point across. I also really enjoyed how hummingbirds were sprinkled throughout the book with both actual information and the bird's spiritual interaction with Jane and her family. That helped provide some beauty when sometimes the story got a bit bleak.

I did like reading about the organization Casa Mia that raises money to provide houses for 10 families in the community per year. There is a board and there is an approval process. (Probably based on the author Ann Marie Jackson's work in micro lending organization Mano Amiga and Casita Linda which builds homes for families in extreme poverty in Sal Miguel de Allende, Mexico.) A portion of the book proceeds will be returning to additionally assist with women and families in Mexico.

Also I liked reading about customs and festivals in Mexico. The author definitely has experienced first hand and easily wove these details into The Broken Hummingbird.

Another positive about the book was all the details about hummingbirds sprinkled throughout.

Jane and her husband have a pretty flawed marriage. Jane becomes obsessed with helping a particular family.

Debating between 3 and 4 stars and deciding to round up to 4 stars; but should probably stick with 3. Some parts of this story really drove me crazy, I'll provide that feedback to the publisher directly. This is the authors first book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance read copy of The Broken Hummingbird in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to publisher She Writes Press for approving my advance read request. Publication date is 03 Oct 2023.

Powerful story filled with bravery, violence, otherworldly visions and winged messengers. The writing is lyrical with palpable imagery. Recommended for fans of Luis Alberto Urrea. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Very moving story, that captured a range of emotions and the complexity of family life. If you enjoy stories about imperfect people living imperfect lives should pick this one up.